5 things I'm going to do in 2017

Well, ready or not 2017’s officially here, and I’ve been thinking about things I want to do with it.

I think a new year’s a great opportunity to think about new things I’d like to try…so here I am, thinking up ways to make this year one to remember. Luckily, living in the South West means there’s plenty to choose from when it comes to new experiences to try, so here are the five I’ve decided on…

Get my walking boots on

Because at least one of my 2017 plans should involve being more active, I’m going to put more time aside to get out and about and explore on two feet. With the South West Coast Path wrapping its way around the South West, we have some of the most dramatic walks in the UK right on our doorstep, and it’s time I got a little more adventurous at discovering them. And if I had to choose one for the top of my list, it’s Durdle Door in Dorset.

Visit St Ives

I don’t know if it’s the promise of white sand and clear waters, or just the look on people’s faces when they tell you about the resort, but it’s high time I made my way down to St Ives in West Cornwall. I think I’ll feel right at home pottering in the boutiques before the high season arrives, and in the spirit of walking more, I plan to walk the stretch from Carbis Bay. Just over a mile long, this walk’s often heralded as one of the prettiest ever, and the view across St Ives Bay are supposed to be spectacular.

Spend more time with the stars

Don’t worry, I’m not about to start following celebrities around…I’m talking about getting to know the night sky better. Exmoor National Park has official Dark Sky Reserve status, which means it’s one of the best places to lie back and watch the stars do their thing without the light pollution that can make it tricky to see them in all their glory. So, as recommended by The Telegraph, I’m going to head to one of the special dark sky events hosted by astronomer Simon Ould and see what I can see in the Heavens.

Find my inner foodie

Don’t get me wrong, I can polish off fish and chips faster than a seagull, but I have to admit that my foodie side could do with a little work. So, I think the best place to start will be at one of the region’s many foodie festivals. The annual food festival at Powderham Castle just outside Exeter takes place in October, and I can’t think of a better spot to start my foodie journey this year. Set in a deer park right on the banks of the Exe estuary, Powderham’s a gorgeous setting for any event.

Spread my wings

I’ll be enlisting my Blue Chip buddy Harriet for this one…as we’ve been meaning to venture to Adrenalin Quarry in Cornwall and leap from a cliff for months. 490m long and 50m high, the guys at this quarry promise that the zip wire reaches speeds of up to 40m per hour, and aside from the promised adrenaline rush, the views from up there look incredible. The attraction reopens in February, so we’ve popped this one in the diary for when the weather warms up.

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About the author

Kelly Marsh

I'm Blue Chip's Content Manager, so I get to spend my time finding out where you should go and what you should do during your holidays...well someone's got to do it! When I'm not blogging you'll find me getting lost on various walks around Devon, relaxing at candlelit yoga and just enjoying life.

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